"You have soft fingers. Is that why you can always manage to smooth my hair, no matter how much of a mess it is?"

Near asked, his eyes fluttering shut as you ran your fingers through his hair once again. It had become his favorite feeling, something he found himself craving ever since he grew fond of you.

Perhaps even more than that. Deep down, you had always known—you loved and cared for him, no matter what. Whether he saw you as a close friend or something more… you never minded.

All he knew now was that he could trust you. And that was enough. Near just wanted to stay by your side… to come home to your shared apartment and feel your hands in his hair again.